Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Prairie Grove Couple Named To Hall Of Fame
PRAIRIE GROVE —A Prairie Grove husband and wife hold a unique honor for the state of Arkansas.
They are the first husband and wife to be inducted as a couple into the Senior Arkansas Hall of Fame. The award was presented in October during a special ceremony at the Prairie Grove Senior Center that included Mayor Sonny Hudson and other city officials.
Freeman and Sylvia Bentley have volunteered together for the Prairie Grove Senior Center for almost 13 years, delivering more than 4,100 hot meals to homebound seniors in the city.
Sylvia said a friend called them about volunteering for the program and they've stayed with it since then.
“We never saw a reason to quit,” Freeman Bentley said. “We've enjoyed it.”
Sylvia said the Meals on Wheels program is important for two reasons.
“Very possibly, we are the only people those residents see some days and they get a hot meal. It's just a good feeling to help someone and some are just so glad to see you,” Sylvia said.
Freeman Bentley added that the expression on some of their faces makes volunteering worthwhile.
The Bentleys moved to Prairie Grove more than 40 years ago when Freeman Bentley retired after serving in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He then worked for the U.S. Post Office in Prairie Grove and Fayetteville for 20 years before retiring once again. He is active in his church, Prairie Grove Church of Christ and has taught Bible studies for more than 40 years.
Sylvia Bentley worked for Farmers and Merchants Bank for 21 years, has taught Sunday school classes for about 50 years and has volunteered at a local nursing home.
They deliver hot meals one day a week and substitute on other days as needed.
Neither knew that they were nominated for the Senior Arkansas Hall of Fame.
“We thought it was great,” Sylvia Bentley said. “It was just an honor being named to it.”
Linda Willke, site manager, said the senior center could not have a Meals on Wheels program without its volunteers.
“Twelve years is a long time,” Willkie said. “To have people completely committed for 12 years, to use their own vehicle, gas and time and to be dedicated to those seniors out there, that's a dedication to this community.”
Prairie Grove needs a few more people who are willing to serve as substitute drivers for the Meals on Wheels program. For more information, contact Willkie at 846-2794.